Hartlepool's Luke Charman returns to training amid multiple absences

Hartlepool United could have Luke Charman back in the squad for the Scunthorpe match, but face a lengthy injury list that includes Max Merrick, Max Kouogun and Owen Hampson.

Luke Charman has returned to training and could be available for Hartlepool United's next match, providing a rare positive amid a significant injury crisis. The 28-year-old forward, who has scored seven goals in 66 games for the club, has been sidelined since a pre-season collision in July.

Caretaker bosses Gary Liddle and Adam Clayton confirmed the news at the Maiden Castle training base on Thursday. Charman has completed his rehabilitation from an MCL strain and is now in the final stages of his recovery, with initial fears he could miss the entire season proving unfounded.

His potential availability is a major boost for a team sitting 19th in the National League standings with just nine points from nine games. Hartlepool have lost their last four matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Worthing last time out, and have scored only seven goals all season, a key factor in their lowly position.

Absentees mount for Scunthorpe trip

While Charman progresses, several key players are confirmed absent for the away fixture against 22nd-placed Scunthorpe United on Saturday, a key game in the fixtures list. On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick is out for at least three weeks, while defender Max Kouogun is sidelined for a month with ligament damage.

Midfielder Owen Hampson will not return until the New Year due to a recurring thigh issue, and full-back Liam Gibson is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Youngster Corey McKeown also missed the final training session and will not be involved, adding to the selection headache for the caretaker management team.

Context of struggle

The raft of absences, compounds a difficult period for Hartlepool, who have taken just one win from their last five outings. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 win over Woking on September 5, and they have conceded 13 goals while scoring only seven so far this campaign.

Charman, who can operate as a central striker or on the left flank, left Victoria Park on crutches after his injury but is now closing in on full training. His potential inclusion in the matchday squad for the weekend offers a glimmer of attacking hope for a side in desperate need of points to climb away from danger.